After months of rumor and speculation, Ford confirmed today that it’s definitely bringing back its iconic and rugged Bronco SUV in 2020. The company made the announcement at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Ford will also add a Ranger midsize pickup truck to its North American vehicle lineup in 2019.
“Bronco will be a no-compromise midsize 4x4 utility for thrill seekers who want to venture way beyond the city,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of The Americas. The Bronco and the Ranger will be built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant.
What’s still unknown is the exact design or technical specifications of the new Bronco. For the time being, we have to go back to 2004 to get design clues. That's when Ford unleashed a wicked cool “New Bronco” concept vehicle, employing a design that harkened back to the original slab-sided design, yet with a futuristic twist. The concept was stunning, but sadly, it went nowhere.
The concept version of a new Ford Bronco, revealed in 2004
A dozen years later, a new Bronco is now definitely in the works, stoking a lot of anticipation as well as interest in vintage trucks. The eBay listings for classic Broncos are red hot - opens in new window or tab., a trend that we reported - opens in new window or tab. last spring. Well-restored and clean resto-modded Broncos sell for handsome sums.
The Original Formula
The Ford Bronco first rolled out of the Michigan Assembly and Venezuela Assembly plants in 1966. As seen in the photo at the top of this post, the 1966 model featured a wheelbase of just 92 inches. The two-door Bronco was Ford’s first compact 4x4 SUV and the epitome of basic unfettered design. While the first generation was designed to do battle with the Jeep CJ-5, the Bronco grew into a full-size truck with the second generation in 1978. The truck enjoyed a 30-year run over a total of five generations, ending production in 1996.
Fans of the original Bronco love the truck for its utilitarian simplicity. It was built for work and play, not as a cushy family-hauler. You bought it to beat it, to plow snow, and hit the trails. To maintain the excitement from fans of the original Bronco, Ford will need to build a tough little truck, not a fashion accessory.
A proper Bronco would be offered with a bare-bones version, devoid of frills. The base model should come with a canvas roof, without carpet, and at an affordable price. A relatively short wheelbase would be most appreciated, but it needs to be rock-solid and stable. (The Ranger-based compact Bronco II—built from 1983 to 1990—was notorious for rollover issues, which obviously needs to be avoided.)
The current Ford Ranger—which is sold in many places throughout the world, but not North America—is fitted with 2.2-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder; a 3.2-liter turbodiesel inline five-cylinder; and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. While it would be fabulous to see the 3.2-liter turbodiesel in a domestic Ranger and Bronco, we’re sure to get a range of EcoBoost engines in the United States.
Why Wait Until 2020? Go Classic
Broncos make excellent project trucks, thanks to the simplicity of their design, the abundance of aftermarket support, and the affordability of parts. Rust is the devil, but a project Bronco can be rebuilt from the ground up with a full range of replacement sheet metal and other components from suppliers like Dynacorn - opens in new window or tab. and Goodmark - opens in new window or tab.. You’ll find everything you need from the front grille to the back bumper.
If you’re building a Bronco, you’re most likely aiming to take it off-road. Aftermarket Bronco Suspension Kits from trusted vendors like Tom’s Bronco Parts - opens in new window or tab. can add up to 5.5-inches of lift for enhanced off-road capability without sacrificing ride quality. A four-wheel power disc brake conversion kit - opens in new window or tab. will add stopping power.
Ford Bronco Ultra-Flex fender flares
The right set of aftermarket wheels and off-road tires are also essential. Slap on a garish set and you’ll scare off fans and buyers. A set of UltraFlex Fender Flares - opens in new window or tab. will keep it tucked in and legal. Bushwacker Cut-Out Fender Flares are a popular choice, as well.
Whether you’re dreaming about a new 2020 Bronco or rebuilding a late 1960s classic, it’s an exciting time to be a Bronco enthusiast.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.